Setting up a Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy Program: A Framework for Delivery from the Worldwide Network for Blood & Marrow Transplantation

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is a genetically engineered cellular therapy that is currently integrated into the management of hematologic malignancies. Institutions treating patients with CAR-T therapy need to establish a framework of delivery that covers all the main components of the patient journey including intake of patients into the program from referring centers, patient selection according to established eligibility criteria, apheresis, logistics, bridging therapy, infusion, and postinfusion care. A CAR-T therapy program, with its unique requirements, needs to be delivered by a multidisciplinary team. Prior to the establishment of the program, a well-structured business plan should be developed with a clear financial and/or reimbursement model. Consideration should be given to overall capacity and staffing requirements. Standard operating procedures and guidelines are vital for ensuring that quality standards are clearly defined and adhered to. Institutions should develop a research plan for CAR-T therapy that may incorporate not only industry-sponsored trials, but also in-house manufacturing of investigational CAR-T products. This report presents recommendations from a group of international experts, highlighting the priorities and considerations when developing a new CAR-T program.